Now what? ¿Y ahora que?

Now what?

Finding child care that works

By Carolina Pichardo

After the so-called babymoon phase, in which the early thrall of maternity and/or family leave wears off, many parents are left with the daunting task of finding child care for their bundle of joy. The costs of reliable and competent child care can wreak havoc on a family’s budget and well-being. Is this the right place or the right sitter? Is my child happy? Is she safe? Can I afford this for the year?

You may opt for one-on-one care.

It is a dilemma that emerges for parents at different points throughout their children’s lives – finding the best child care situation.

Whether it’s arranging for the occasional after-school pick-up or managing full-time care, or even just planning for an occasional date night or outing with friends, the challenges are real. You wouldn’t think it’d be the case, as, according to the Office of Children and Family Services, there are over 11,000 providers in New York City alone.

Still, many young moms can’t afford these child care providers and instead opt for the “village” plan, tapping into their networks of grandparents, neighbors, and friends to create a low-cost or free system of care. There are various reasons for doing so, not least among them is minimizing costs and wishing to avoid the daunting list for the city’s subsidized services. Others simply find it easier and less nerve-wracking to depend on those resources closest to home. After all, your mother raised you, and you turned out ok? Right?

As with all decisions that involve your children, the best option is that which works specifically for you and your family. Be patient, ask questions, do your research, take deep breaths.

Different Kinds of Providers

There are many local day care centers.

In New York City, there are several types of child care options, from providers that offer exclusive care for one child or two in a private residence to group family day care centers, which care for over six children at a time in a specific, city-approved facility. What you select for your child will depend on cost, of course, and also on the goals you wish to accomplish. Do you want your child to have a more intimate, one-on-one experience or is it more important that they be integrated into a more social and academic setting? Consider your child’s age, his or her needs, and talk it through with your partner and family – and your child if they are old enough to chime in. Visit with the providers with your child and seek to observe the interactions firsthand. Ask questions, take notes, ask to speak to other parents and request references. You are making an important decision, and having as much information as possible is critical.

Subsidized Child Care

Smiles are the goal.

Subsidized child care in New York City is reserved for families that are financially eligible (based on a family’s gross income), and who have can demonstrate the need for child care. If you are currently working or enrolled in an approved training/educational program, then, chances are that you will qualify for a voucher from the city. Remember, these subsidies are calculated on a sliding scale and the family is responsible for a percentage of the total costs (unless the family is enrolled in a government assistance program). For more details and resources, please contact the New York City “311” information line.

Close to Home

For some, getting help from parents, neighbors and friends is the best option to get things going. For example, share care, where two or more families together share a caregiver, has become more popular. Are there other young moms in your peer group that also need child care? Would you consider pooling resources and engaging a responsible babysitter within your neighborhood? Babysitting co-ops, which you can find on Facebook or Yahoo Groups for Inwood and the Bronx, also allow parents to help each other out with child care.

Carolina Pichardo is the co-founder of Young Urban Moms (YUM), and a proud young mom to her beautiful, energetic daughter, Lyanna and to newborn son Max. She’s been an editor and content producer for several publications, newsletters and websites, such as Working Mother Magazine, Grandparents.com, and Parents.com. She can be reached at info@youngurbanmoms.com.